Why, Barbara?

 I could never figure out why old people wanted to go back north when there was still so much fun to be had in Tucson. "Why go? Don't go," I would say, "Stay with us."

There was no way I could change their minds. My friend Carole would plead with them, and yet there it was...that empty spot where they lived in our hearts. "What was that need?" I thought. But it remained...they were Snow Birds that had flown south to escape reality, and they needed to go north to stay. 

I was never young, it seemed. That flight of fancy that teenager had was never mine. I was born seeing what could happen when you took big chances. I never felt omnipotent. I knew that young people could be wounded too.

Retirement was a dream come true. We were educators and always in the public eye. To be invisible seemed like a wonderful way to live our lives. My husband and I followed the dream. We became snowbirds and lived in Arizona for half the year. I, for one, could have my teen years back and behave badly. It was fun.

Then my husband died. The following year, I traveled to India for my granddaughter's high school graduation. I continued to go south for 3 years. I found a group of like-minded people at the University of Arizona's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. I wrote and read wonderful books and simply became a part of the OLLI group.

Actually, my life was perfect! 

Then one day, the call of my Oregon home and family told me it was time to go back permanently. No more migrating south for me. I began to understand what geese knew from the beginning. There is a season for all things.

My Tucson AZ. home on the golf course

Living longer and longer is the fact that those of us who are younger face. We don't plan on dying soon.

Theater Performance

Livingroom

I had my youth, a working life, and then retirement. Now there is a fourth part to my life. The fourth stage sees me beginning all over again back where we started. I have come full circle.

Kitchen

But what do you do with the life you have lived for half of each year...the house, collections, and friends?

Outdoor evening eating spot.

Facing reality is not as easy as it sounds. I had collected things for all of those years, and they had always stayed in Arizona. Twenty-six years of memories to be bundled up and moved or simply left behind.

Well, of course I did all of those things...sold, bundled, and abandoned. The material things are gone. Now I have memories and pictures.

The truth is that home is home when you are someone like me. I was born and raised in Oregon. I love this place, and it seems that no matter where I go, I am always looking for something just like it. Now I understand why old people want to go home. Like migrating birds, we need to return. 

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Five Little Ducks...stories played out!

The children's song about the little ducks leaving the nest to fly away has always been one of my favorites.  Every mother has seen their babies fly away and rejoiced. Life comes full circle. Animals live that same cycle. Babies grow up. Birds leave the nest. Life goes on.

So when the three ducks show up every year near my patio I am not surprised. But I am puzzled that it always seems to be the same three. Something just doesn't seem right. It appears the one did not fly away at all.

Five little ducks

Went out to play

Over the hills and far away.

The mommy duck went "quack, quack quack,"

Four little ducks came swimming back...

And then Three

Two

and One.

A drake, a female duck (a hen) and a not quite a drake but still not a hen gather here on the 5th green of the golf course. She leads and the other two follow along obediently. They eat, sleep, and guard each other. Each and every day this time of year they come. 

I have not named them. Jinxing them would be very possible. See, an eagle and a very large owl live in the trees next to the street. Naming them just doesn't seem like a good idea.

So I just watch. Each time they come, I am more interested and puzzled.

It has been suggested that this is a m

énage à trois 

but it just doesn't appear to be a romantic threesome. Then someone suggested that the not quite a Drake or a hen was a teenager who refused to leave home. I believe that could be possible. Does that happen in the duck community? 

A month had passed when one day she took a break from Drake and the teen. I suppose she was tired of being followed around. I was worried. The Drake didn't go to sleep on the ground but stood on one leg watching. She was gone that day but as surely as the sun came up the next day, there she was. 

When this extra drake showed up, Drake and Drake/hen acted very cool and disinterested.  But he came back the next day. He was intruding and Drake and Drake/hen did not like that. Within a short time, they were in hot pursuit. They all waddled into the bushes...only two came out...the Drake and the Drake/hen. The extra guy flew away and I haven't seen him since. I will always wonder what happened.

I have a lake just on the other side of my backyard golf green. A large flock of ducks gather every spring and a few nest close by. It is a hard life...the nest is constantly under attack but if the hen can help them survive until they can swim it seems they have a chance. 

As for the teen flying over the hill and far away...he may never do that. Maybe he will stay behind guarding his flock. That is my hope. Like mommy duck, I want him to be safe.

Have a wonderful Easter!

Oh and stay posted...just in case she actually builds a nest and has a new clutch of babies!

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Arizona's Unique Beauty...is it in the eyes of the beholder?

You get to decide....

Winery near Wilcox...land of the Sandhill Crane

Rosemary in bloom...beautiful and fragrant!

Cactus reveal multicolor new growth.

They are called Mexican Poppies here...a carpet of yellow in the spring.

Humming Birds only share the feeder at sunset...a miracle of nature.

 Have a wonderful day.

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Downsizing in Retirement? But where?

Downsizing was on everyone's mind. The stress people endure just because of a lifetime of clutter they have accumulated added to the retirement dilemma and limited income and you have the perfect reasons for wanting to live in something much smaller.

Park Model in RV Resort

Once the decision has been made to move the question is where? People as asking themselves Should we sell our house here in the north and buy something smaller for much less in a warmer climate? It has occurred to me that we might need to rethink what we are doing.

It is a temptation to sell here in Portland, Oregon, for example, because a person can buy something in the Southwest USA for less and have disposable income left over to have MORE fun right now. When the weather is warm in the winter that person will be at home while all those snow birds are living in small resorts. Sound about right doesn't it?

RV Resort Bocci Ball Tournament

Then summer comes...it gets very hot in the southwest in the summer. Those people want to do the snowbird thing in reverse and fly north to find some cooler weather. BUT, it is very expensive and there is really not that much available in the way of short term rentals for vacationing people. A hotel or motel is not affordable at all. Most people spend a very short period of time in the north. Better than nothing I suppose.

Snowbird Friends

It might be that downsizing to a smaller place in some location that is perfect in the summer would be smarter. When you came back north you would be at home and probably near your families and friends. The spend less on your winter location. The southwest is ripe for the picking when it comes to snowbird living. There is so much available at a reasonable price, especially in RV resorts. Even purchasing a small park model like we own is possible for less than $20,000. You will have a more fun than you ever imagined but not be tied to so much responsibility.

It is just a thought. Downsize at home in the north and snow birding small in the southwest has been our choice and I am so grateful that we have decided to do that. We live in a place that those coming north could not afford to visit for very long. Life is good!

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Note: I happen to think that Idaho has some of the best locations for downsizing. Check out McCall for your small home in the north. It is gorgeous.

 Summer

Ultimate Guide: HOW TO BE A SNOW BIRD and do it right!

Our park model home in Arizona

Take the time to do it right...you will never regret it! Follow the links listed here and on the other posts. You will find a wealth of information.

Oregon

I am not here to burst your bubble but there are a few reality checks that need to be considered. I know...traveling off to warm weather in the winter, having two sets of friends and maybe a second home, sounds very luxurious. Golfing while your friends are mucking around on snow and ice would be soooooo dreamy. I want you to stop and think about what you might be doing. There are choices to be made

Arizona

We sat next to a couple from the east side of Portland this summer. They were approaching retirement age I guessed. We were talking about membership in the wine club at this particular tasting room when I told that we were gone for six month of the year so a membership might not work.

The man sat up suddenly interested. "You're snowbirds? How do you do that? We want to wander some but we really just do not know how." Do we sell our house here and move? Can we afford to keep both places? How do we decide?

That is where I come in. I can help you if you are feeling the same way. I wish there had been someone like me when we retired. Truly it was a mystery. We had no idea what was possible and what was not.

If you want to travel from resort to resort you can do that. If you want to work and travel, that is possible too. I have known people that worked in the resort they were staying. Another person worked at the local golf course. Some go back to school and one man I know because a tax consultant. You can figure it out. If you are just looking for a place to build a nest, you can do that.

Try it out first! I cannot emphasize how important that is. When you are first retired things look different that what they will in a while after. Go to the place you think you would like, take a short vacation and get the feel for the location. Being a snowbird requires some doing and I think making a choice about the life style can be a process. Just look around and make yourself sure that is what you want.

If you decide where and when,  I suppose the first consideration is money. Inexpensive second homes can be had but you need to be careful before you leap. (Link: Rental information) Areas that cater to snowbirds both in the southwest and southeast do provide opportunities to rent fully furnished apartments or park models in RV resorts.

You will need to do some research online or even call a rental agent in the place you have chosen to visit. It is all very doable. ( Inexpensive Retirement Information)

RV resorts offer a lot of activities and that is a real consideration when you have free time on your hands. You can rent the park models* in these places. This is another choice that might replace living in an apartment.

Will I Miss my Grandchildren? I think the answer for this one is obvious. Yes, you might miss your family. It is a given. But on the upside, your family dynamic may be better when you are gone for a while.

When we started this life my children actually needed for me to be out of town for part of the year. I got a break from babies, my children became more independent and we enjoyed each others company more when we got back together. In fact, they now see us coming home as a vacation of sorts for themselves.

If you have children that live in a warm place, you can choose to live part of your year close to one child and part of the year near the other. If you get lonesome for them, you can talk on Skype, or use your smart phone, iPad or computer for Face Time or even use video via your Facebook account. This is our link to home or where ever our children are at anytime.

Where should I go and can I afford it? This is such a personal thing...we chose a human comfort zone. Really the geographic location is not as important as the people around me. For example, if I won the lottery, I would not be comfortable living in a high roller apartment in Las Vegas. That is not who I am. While this is an outrageous example, it is absolutely the truth.

If you are a very educated person that loves the opera and expensive restaurants, you need to find a place where those people that live around you love the same things. If golfing or cards help you pass the time, there are a lot of opportunities to connect with those people in a resort. If the pool is important, you need to find someplace that has a heated pool. Even in the southwest it is winter and the days can be chilly. (Link: Like Minded People)

But, what you are really here for is to find out if you can actually afford this life style. It is a given that traveling in a motor home big or small is initially going to be more expensive than buying a park model in a resort. Because snowbirds have been around for a long time, those that are either aging or simply moving will sell these small homes for lower than you will imagine. A price of $10,000 to $20,000 is not that unusual.

How much it will cost to rent the property where the park model is depends on that you expect:

...beautiful vistas and enticing amenities come at a price, and it’s not cheap. Rates vary widely depending on location, season, and how far in advance you book it. For an in-season rental, rates usually start anywhere from $70 to $100+ per night. In addition, many luxury motorhome parks have a minimum stay requirement. A week-long stay at even the most basic luxury RV park could cost $1,000 or more. (From RVShare.com) 

You can get a space for less but be aware that very old unmaintained resorts can be tacky. It depends on your level of "luxury". Mom and Pop may be fun and really nice but the location counts as well as the amenities.

You also need to know that a nice resort is not going to let you come if you don't fulfill their appearance/length requirements. Still don't be frightened by the prices quoted above. Check with places like Rincon RV Resort Country in Tucson. Rincon Country has two resorts in Tucson. Here is their 2019 rate schedule. I would also check with Voyager RV. That resort is beautiful. I could not find a price schedule for them so you will have to contact the resort either online or personally.

How to Snowbird We are leaving for Tucson soon...here is where we get down to the nitty gritty of being a part time person in two locations. Think about:

• How long to stay gone? We are living about 6 months in both of our homes. That is a personal choice and one we have settled on after all these years. We began by traveling in a motor home, bought a park model in a resort in Tucson, AZ and now have a small townhouse. We live in the Portland Oregon metro area and have been Oregonians all our lives. It rains a lot here and we like to avoid as much of that as we can and still enjoy our beautiful location.
• Should I fly or drive? After people have done this for many years they usually buy a clunker car and simply fly to their winter home. Really this depends on whether you are coming to Arizona from Nova Scotia or from Oregon. Some drives are just not worth the time and expense. Our friends put the car on blocks, disconnect the battery, find a spot in the shade for the vehicle and leave it behind. The worse that can happen is it is stolen or the rats gnaw on the electrical wires! But if it is an insured clunker, you are fine. (Rats are another thing entirely but still you need to be aware of any varmints that lurk about...FYI.)
• Should I rent out my home while I am gone? Let me tell you if this is possible and you can find someone you trust, do this. Most of your other dilemmas don't exist when you do this. We have had students live in our house and rented it out. In both cases it was a win/win situation. The extra cash in the case of renting can pay for your time in the south! The minor clean ups and damage were nothing compared to what we need to do when no one is in the house. The best part is the "closing the house up" part just disappears.

How do I switch from one life to another? There is an extensive list of to-dos when you close your house down and switch to a different life. Many of things mentioned in this will save you money that can be used while you are gone from home. This is a list worth copying:

1. Mail...the post office with forward mail with a beginning and ending date. If you are in one location, this works perfectly. If you are on the road you can have a family member forward you mail occasionally or you can have your mail forwarded to a service and they will take care of this for you.
2. Turning off the water if possible. This is one big bill you do not pay if you do that. If you turn off your water you also need to turn off your water heater. The tank could burn up without water. Some heating systems are dependent on the water. Can you turn your heat off and not have big freezing problems? Draining pipes might be necessary if you are from the frozen north! No matter what, keep in mind what water can do. If you cannot turn it off, have someone check you home frequently. Water damage is a horrible thing and it happens a lot! (Yes we did have that happen to us.)
3. Have the insurance for you second car changed...this can save you a lot of money. The insurance company will reduce the cost for you if you have the car in storage. The coverage is comprehensive so if another person drives that car check with insurance companies to see if their insurance covers the car while they are driving it. Cutting the cost for car insurance for six months out of the year saves you money. 
4. Keeping the bad guys out...I know people that turned on an alarm system and walked away feeling very secure. I still advice you to be very careful. We have someone check in occasionally and ask neighbors to be watchful too. We leave our phone number as well as our local family's number with them.
5. Make your home look lived in when it is not...(see keeping the bad guys out). Be sure that some delivery person is not leaving unwanted ads at your front door. Piled up newspaper ads are an invitation to trouble. I suggest that you have a neighbor clear these away. I hate those things anyway but it happens. The local pizza parlor has to advertise somehow I guess. Leave the blinds partially cracked and leave a plant by the front door that will survive through the winter. You can even hang a generic wreath on the front door that looks welcoming. All these things make your house look lived in. I see that timers for lights do not cause fires so you might consider using some of those.
6. Make choices about turning off garbage, TV, internet, phone service, etc. Most of these services have a "vacation/hibernation" setting. That means that they don't disconnect you entirely and all you need to do when you return is give them a call and they turn your service back on. Your garbage can, TV cable box (if you still use one) and your modem for internet hook-up can remain in place. You might have to pay a small fee but it could be cheaper that paying to have services reconnected. This also gives you the option of coming home for a short period of time or letting a friend/relative use the home and having the services needed. We come home at Christmas and have our internet, garbage and TV turned back on for that short period of time. You make the choice. I have written about what I think is a wonderful solution for reducing cable cost in a post called How Snow Birds Can Cut RV Cable Costs.
7. Decide on a wardrobe. It has taken me years to learn what to take with me and what to leave behind. If you are a total newbie, check on the temperatures during the months you are going to be in a locality. Arizona for example, is NOT hot in the winter. Locals and experienced snowbirds do not dress like it is 90 degree when the temperature rises to the mid 60's during the day. You will need sweaters, longer pants and a jacket in the evening hours. Pay attention to this sort of thing when you pack for your trip. I know we all dream of warm winter days but in this case it is all relative. Warm in the winter is 65 degrees but compared to say Iowa that is really warm. See what I mean?
8. If you leave the electricity on, UNPLUG EVERYTHING that can be disconnected. Just because.
9. Then there is the cat!!! Our cat was a real part of our life...however, the RV resort where we spend our winters before we moved to a townhome would not allow a cat outside the park model. (See making snowbird location choices.) Because our cat was a feral cat when we found him in Texas, he would NOT stay indoors all the time. 

So, there you have it. Actually, when you think about it, the benefits far outweigh the problems. I hope this reality check helped you make the decision that will work best for you. If you have any further question or ideas, feel free to comment and I will get back to you. I love comments and I am sure you love answers!

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*A park model is a small trailer with all the same amenities as a big trailer. Our park model was about 12' wide and 34' long. We had added a room to the side that we call an "Arizona Room". That space provides storage and utility space. We also have a shed where our washer and dryer was stored as well as my husband's work bench.

Related articles

Tucson for Snowbirds...a season at a glance! (retireinstyleblog.com)

Is being a snowbird right for you? An Interview with me by Satisfying Retirement Blog (retireinstyleblog.com)

How to choose the right RV park! (retireinstyleblog.com)

(Link: Keeping Retirees Connected)

How Snowbirds Can Cut TV Costs

George, the Wash Dog

So here we are in a new location...moved from a park model in a winter RV resort for 55+...summer camp in the winter if you will...now living in a townhome with real everyday people, going to work, taking care of aging parents and families of children. Some are just generally retired and living out life. Real life, no planned activities save a beautiful swimming pool that is closed in the winter.

The Office

I like it a lot. I happen to love change.

But each bit of "new" has its challenges. The real issue here is getting to know people, neighbors with children or grandchildren and dogs or cats. How does one go about that? It can be hard.

The Living/Dining room

I have been know to trip people and then lean over them as they lay on the ground with my hand out introducing myself, "Hi, my name is Barbara." I will say. "What's yours?" Something like that!

My most successful introductions are made because I love animals and children. That is how George the Dog came into my life. His owner was walking him soon after we moved in and I crossed the street to introduce myself. George was aloof and wouldn't come near my offered hand.

He is a big black dog of dubious breeding and mysterious age. What we do know is that George is a Wash Dog. In case you didn't know, a Wash Dog is a dog that lives in the dry riverbed we call a wash here in Arizona. His owner walks in the wash almost daily. When she saw George, her heart went out to him. He followed her on her walks but would not come close. Tired, hungry and dirty it was evident that he needed some love and a home. So she spent many walks enticing him to come with her.

George was a reluctant animal and didn't see the need for a civilized life even though he wasn't doing so good on his own. He still doesn't understand what a backyard is and will not go out any door that leads to one. 

When he is out for a walk and he knows he is getting near going into the house, he simply sits down stubbornly. The thing is I fell in love with George at very first sight. There is something about the old fool that I just cannot resist.

His owner, Donna, really should have a special place in heaven for making a place in her home for him. Her elderly mother is being cared for there too and he shares the limelight with a aging beagle (or is it a basset hound?) 

That home is just bursting with life and light. I am just a little bit envious. 

How do you feel about Wash Dogs? Want one? Me too. (I cannot have a dog right now but I can dream.)

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On Coming "Home"

We are back in Arizona. We left in April to stay in our Oregon home and now we are back...already! People in both place will say to us "Aren't you early this year?" and our reply is usually yes.  It seems that for those people that do not leave we come and go much quicker than they expect.

This is home today. Tucson AZ

We came back to Arizona in September this year because we are moving to a townhouse. We have lived in a RV resort for many years and we needed a change. We found the place we are moving to because of serendipity...who can fight the will of the universe. So here we are setting off on a new adventure.

We have a beautiful home in Oregon. We live in a 55 plus community and love all our neighbors. They are alway there and I like that. I don't want to stay in one place but it makes me happy that they stay. So, here in Arizona we have found a new home that fits us perfectly. It is mixed age so we can see children and younger adults. It seems at this stage of our lives we need that kind of community a lot.

In the second stage of aging we are finding that we need what we have always loved as adults. We don't need to play so much as we need to work and live. Life continues to be very good.

Think of you all.

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Thinking of a Snow Bird Lifestyle?

A golfing partner and a good friend
in Green Valley AZ.

I was clothes shopping this morning and ran into a woman at JJills. As I dug through the sale racks, we began to visit about this and that. As it turned out, she and her husband live in a neighborhood my husband and I lived in for 10 years. She came here from Ohio to be near to children.

Other than the fact that I am a native Oregonian, we could be lifestyle twins. She taught 2nd grade for 22 years and I taught in the elementary level off and on for over 30. We both live in the PDX area because we want to be close to our families.

After we had talked for a while she revealed that she and her husband were going to vacation in Phoenix for 2 month this winter. They found a place in Sun City. It was the first time they had considered being snowbirds.

Oh my gosh, is she in for a fun time or what! I could not contain my enthusiasm for her and the experience that is opening up for her.

Although I am somewhat of an expert on the snowbird lifestyle and know in detail about practical ins and outs, the first thing that always comes out of my mouth when I meet someone new to my world is how much they are going to enjoy the people! There is nothing quite like spending time with age mates. It is freeing like nothing else.

The inside of our park model doll house!

Then we began talking about the cost. She said she couldn't imagine doing it for six month like my husband and me. The cost just blew her mind. They are paying $3000 a month for their rental.

When I explained the cost of a park model, the rent and how it worked I could see her thinking about the possibility. If they were to rent for six months at that rate it would cost them $18,000 a year! WOW!

Visiting Grandchildren

So, are you thinking about being a snowbird?

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Here is some information from previous posts.

Snowbird Lifestyle (a collection of all the posts with that label)

Should You Be a Snowbird
Experiencing Retirement Before You Retire
14 Links Every Smart Snowbird Should Visit
How to be a Snowbird...answers and lists! (my most visited post)

Leaving Arizona!

 Leaving this behind in Arizona so we...

...can go to Oregon to this!

Life is good!

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Lois, Let's Go to Bed So These People Can Go Home

Goodbye little Doll House!

It is tricky to know just the right minute to leave. Going home from and party is only one time when we face that dilemma. Leaving our home in Arizona is another.

When we are at a party, I usually am ready to go home before it is polite and my husband just ignores me. Then, once in awhile I will settle in for the duration. Getting up just doesn't appeal to me so I ignore the signs...yawns, sighs and big gaps in the conversation. Going home can be tricky.

Now we are thinking about going home to Oregon. We need to leave our Doll House for six months. It will go to bed and we will wake up the house in Oregon. But the trick is WHEN?

We usually have a schedule that we decide on long before the departure date. I will begin ironing and even packing so far ahead of that time that I find myself digging through suitcases to retrieve clothes.

This year we have a new plan. We are going to wait until the day before our departure, pack our suitcases and the car, go to bed and leave early the next morning. (Our party hosts are glad we don't do that at their house!)

Our little house is saying, "Lois, let's go to bed so these people can go home!"

Have a wonderful day.

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There Is A Rule for That!

I know I have written about rules a lot. My daughter has rules for napping. I have rules for counting calories. I play golf so rules* guide everything I do on the course.

So I have started golfing with a women's group again. I know...I must be nuts. But it turns out I am having a lot of fun. I am also learning that there are rules for playing with women in Arizona that I had not heard of before. I did not know it could be different. Thankfully, my friend has helped me stay ahead of the rules committee whoever that might be.

It turns out you cannot put the rental golf cart key in your purse and take it home. The golf course does not like that and they can be very kranky. I will pay attention to that one...not that I have ever done that but who knows.

I don't think we are suppose
to feed the coyotes. This guy
looked like he could use
a good meal.

There is a specific order that you tee off when you begin a round of golf. On the golf card you are handed, the names are listed. Everyone plays the first hole going in order. After that it doesn't matter. I need to remember that I do not get to go first all of the time. I am paying attention to that one. I like to be first.

We play ready golf...unless we truly respect the person hitting next or if we are just not in the mood to hit yet. Some people are very fast and others are very slow. Ready golf can be interpreted many ways. That one is not very clear to me yet. I'm working on it. I think that if I am playing with someone slow, I cannot leave them behind and play on to the next hole even if I am ready. But I could be wrong. I am not the most patient person in the world sometimes.

Most golf courses have a dress code of sorts but on this course there is not a rule that you have to dress any particular way. As long as your body is covered and if you are a man, you have a collared shirt, you are good to go. I was a little disappointed in this one...I like new golf clothes and even though I don't play good golf, I want to always look like I can. I am making up my own rules for that one!

Women will correct other women if they don't obey the rules. It is a given that sometime during the round I will be told where to drop my ball if I land on the golf cart path. I always do that and it is not easy to stop a ball on the cart path. Thank goodness someone knows what they are doing. Otherwise I would be bumbling around for 18 holes. I have only played golf for 20 years so I really am a beginner.

So there you have it. Rules follow us around everywhere. I really like it when other people follow the rules even though I don't want to myself. But what is, is.

What is the strangest rule you have ever run into? We would love to hear it.

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*Note: Rules are what we expect other people to do and don't want to do ourselves. For example, I don't want the people in my neighborhood to paint their house sky-blue-purple if it is against the rules. But if I fall in love with that color, I might want to do it myself. 

Sarguaro Corners in Tucson Az...Friday night just the way I like it!

We love our life in the desert for a lot of reasons. Here in Tucson (The Old Pueblo) we get to live the best of city and village life with a little Harley motorcycle crossroads thrown in the mix. We experience this when we golf, eat out, take road trips and shop. The latest best place is called Saguaro Corners.

There is something very special about driving for a few minutes out into the desert very near the Saguaro National Monument and arriving at a place a place like this restaurant. This is where a unique cross section of people that is typical Tucson gather. (located at the intersection of Escalante Rd. and Old Vail Highway)

This old restaurant has been at the same location for so many years people have stopped counting. It closed for a while and has reopened recently with a menu that is a great fusion of regional food with tastes from other places around the world.

I ordered a dish made with "grits" (polenta), covered with smoked tomato cream sauce, andouille and shrimp. The grits has been cut into square and stacked with spinach between the layers. It was out of this world.

The bar is open air onto the deck where a band plays on Fridays. Reservations are necessary if the weather is warm at all.

But best of all is the mix of bikers, families and retirees all gathered in a room overlooking the desert or outside under heaters.

And, yes...that is a car seat for a baby inside a Polaris four wheel vehicle. A darling pink blanket was in the back. Did I say the Tucson is a unique place? Well here you have it.

I will add that we are a short drive from our house to places like La Encantata, a shopping area that features all of the top designers in shops of their own. Downtown is coming alive with great restaurant like Proper or the Congress Hotel. Tucson is a little bit country and a little bit big-big city! The Old Pueblo is still rocking and we love it!

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Another Snowbird Reality Check...it is cold!

Arizona Sunset

I am a snowbird that expects warm weather everyday all winter long. But the reality is IT IS VERY COLD HERE in Tucson Arizona today and will be for about a week! I brought some winter clothes with me so I am good. Believe or not we actually follow the weather, ocean currents and other miscellaneous news items. My husband tells me about el nino and el nina. Then I decide what might happen while we are in Arizona.

The REALITY of it all is that, even though we travel south for warm weather and all that means in our life, it can be very cold here in Tucson. We have had cactus freeze solid to the core when it stayed below freezing for 2-3 days. Our palms have been frozen and the fronds turned brown.

Locals don't wear shorts in the winter and those of us that plant beautiful flowers are prepared to cover them and provide some warmth.

It is so much fun to watch the local people get bundled up looking like Eskimos and to hear them talk about lighting their fireplaces. It is very exciting for them.

For us...well we are good. It will pass soon. We hope!

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